The European Commission has fined Nintendo of Europe for wrongful distribution in Europe...

The European Commission today levied a fine on NCL and its Nintendo of Europe division. The Commission found that certain of Nintendo’s distribution practises in Europe up to 1998 did not comply with EU competition rules; in particular it has found that Nintendo restricted trade between EU countries. <br><br>The decision relates to an investigation that took place over two years ago, however the outcome was delayed until today. Nintendo fully co-operated with the Commission, and provided much of the information that the Commission needed to make its decision. <br><br>Nintendo accepts the finding that, up to 1998, its distribution practices did not comply with EU competition rules. Nintendo has rectified the relevant aspects of its distribution in Europe and has instigated a thorough and far-reaching compliance programme that enables the free flow of product across Europe. <br><br>Nintendo has accounted for the decision in its previous planning, so that there will be no impact on its business and financial performance this financial year. However in view of the size of the fine, which Nintendo finds surprising Nintendo will lodge an appeal. <br><br>It’s believed that the total fine amounts to 167.8 million euros (~£105 million), a figure that the EU claims represents Nintendo’s size in the market concerned.